When LeBron James signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, discussions about his future with the team naturally followed. It’s apparent that James might be approaching his contracts on a year-to-year basis as he nears the end of his career.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, health is the primary factor that will determine how long James continues to play. However, the potential expansion of the NBA is also a significant consideration.
WHAT WINDY SAID
Windhorst stated, “The biggest thing, other than health, that we’re gonna see that is going to determine when the end of LeBron’s career is when the owners of the league set forth a timeline about when they’re gonna establish that expansion team in Las Vegas. I suspect once the TV rights deals get wrapped up … they’re gonna bring expansion to the table.”
Windhorst also mentioned James’s interest in being involved with an expansion team in Las Vegas, adding, “(James) wants to partner with partners to become the face of the franchise in Las Vegas.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has consistently indicated that the league will focus on expansion once the media rights deals are finalized. These deals are expected to be signed soon. Silver has highlighted that several cities are interested in hosting NBA teams, with Seattle and Las Vegas being the most prominent.
